Driver: San Francisco Preview
The original Driver debuted to widespread critical acclaim back in 1999 on the PlayStation. A bright future seemed inevitable. But the sequel released a year later and critics weren’t so enthusiastic, and the series sort of downshifted to mediocrity. There were multiple installments on numerous platforms, ranging from the GameBoy Advance to the Xbox, but none reclaimed the glory of the first title. So maybe we should consider Ubisoft’s Driver: San Francisco as a reboot, with a completely overhauled style and a ton of up-close-and-personal action. The demo is now on the PlayStation Network, and I took a look last night.
The demo lets you sample three modes, where you can sample a standard race through crowded city streets, a hectic escape from pursuing cops, and a mode that introduces you to the “shift” dynamic. The latter is like a super power that lets you jump from driver to driver; you basically inhabit the body of someone else behind the wheel. You can quick jump with the R1 button – useful for races – or press X to enable the manual selection, where you target the vehicle you wish to drive. It’s an interesting mechanic and one that could be excellent, provided it isn’t overused. I did find the quick shift a little confusing and disconcerting, though. It can be difficult to understand exactly what’s happening if you get “shift”-happy.
As for the rest, I think things are looking up. While the style is obviously very arcade-like (you’ll plow through pedestrian-filled sidewalks on a frequent basis), the physics definitely feel more realistic. The vehicles have plenty of weight and although some may feel sluggish or loose, that’s the nod to authenticity, I believe. The hand brake works extremely well and although too many vehicles feel the same, there’s definitely a semblance of realism in the control. The standard third-person view sits a little closer than I would like but you do have choices. I’m on the fence about the mini-map, which you can enlarge by pressing the triangle button.
It’s also plain that the storyline will indeed take center-stage during the campaign. We catch glimpses of it during this demo, and I’ll be interested to see how things play out. The graphics and sound are competent; there are some great special effects, character detail isn’t bad at all, and the city is nicely designed if not overly detailed. I’ll have to play more to pass judgment on the control and general gameplay, and I’m a little worried that the “shift” function will be overused, but we’ll see. Driver: San Francisco is slated to hit store shelves on August 30. Cross your fingers for a worthwhile action/racing quest.
8/10/2011 Ben Dutka
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Date |
Game |
Reviewer |
 04/28/11 |
Driver: San Francisco | Ben Dutka |
Comments (35 posts)
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 @ 10:43:25 PM
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 12:44:56 PM
Maybe it's just my own anticipation working against me, but every time I'm doing a DL while playing, it feels like the DL's manage to drag even slower for some reason.
And after all that whining, I still haven't gotten the chance to try it out yet, LOL
Last edited by BikerSaint on 8/11/2011 12:46:25 PM
0 up, 0 down
Chelsea United
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 11:23:23 PM
0 up, 0 down
daus26
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 11:42:03 PM
0 up, 0 down
PAKINIPS
Friday, August 12, 2011 @ 4:36:24 AM
Burnout paradise took 3 days to download
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 @ 10:45:47 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 12:45:42 AM
0 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 4:39:35 AM
1 up, 1 down
FM23
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 1:41:59 PM
1 up, 0 down
Karosso
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 @ 10:50:01 PM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
dillonthebunny
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 12:24:18 AM
but what it is.. is its fun, looks good and imo play well. the transition from FPS to TPS in a game like Red Faction was Stupid, and remains so, the jumping in to other drivers bodies sounds ridiculous but is actually very amusing..
I hope they tweak the car control tho
you should try it.
1 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 8:35:58 AM
3 up, 0 down
Karosso
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 9:15:19 AM
"Winter is Coming"
1 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 @ 11:19:59 PM
Reply
Does anyone know if the video editor will be making a return in this one? That was the best feature of Driver on PS1!!
Imagine, using camera and editing techniques to put together your own professional Driver San Fran video and then uploading straight to Youtube!! Being able to record any funny glitches you come across, or epic jumps you find, with slow mo activated and classical music playing as the car soars over the camera!!
Screw Dynamic Shift!! Give us the old video editor back!!
Nice to know the on-foot missions in GTA style are gone. :)
1 up, 0 down
La_Bete12
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 @ 11:32:10 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 12:06:54 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
dillonthebunny
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 12:25:49 AM
0 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 12:28:42 AM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 2:47:52 AM
If anybody wasn't around in 1988 check THIS out!
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=r3tmdnVPCes&feature=related
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/11/2011 2:52:10 AM
0 up, 0 down
frylock25
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 5:36:26 AM
0 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 4:43:45 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 3:31:15 PM
0 up, 0 down
___________
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 4:56:38 AM
Reply
the series that actually did really well and stood up to what was at the time the industries biggest series, GTA, the getaway, true crime, the XII series, are all gone.
the series which were always pretty crap, IE driver are still going.
what the?
fantastic series get binned, and crap series get sequels till the cows come home!
just downloaded the demo, hopefully its half decent.
but it aint the getaway 3, thats for sure!
no, i will never forgive $ony for cancelling it!
0 up, 0 down
dkmrules
Friday, August 12, 2011 @ 5:56:57 PM
0 up, 0 down
duomaxwell007
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 9:34:18 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
maxpontiac
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 10:33:28 AM
Reply
I will not be buying this title.
3 up, 0 down
Karosso
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 10:53:06 AM
Why Oh Why? Really, it just makes it less challenging. Great for the causal crowd and the "Fast and twitched" but, a complete turnoff for any serious gamer or fan of the series :(
"Winter is Coming"
1 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 11:46:11 AM
2 up, 0 down
duomaxwell007
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 12:14:20 PM
1 up, 0 down
FM23
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 1:43:08 PM
2 up, 0 down
Amnesiac
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 8:25:16 PM
Reply
Last edited by Amnesiac on 8/11/2011 8:26:23 PM
1 up, 0 down
daus26
Thursday, August 11, 2011 @ 11:45:27 PM
Reply
I've been wanting a Midnight Club sequel, and with how busy R* is and whatever problem they have with the MC team, I don't think another is coming anytime soon. I'm hoping this game can fill that gap.
0 up, 0 down
Spanky
Friday, August 12, 2011 @ 1:43:27 PM
Reply
The Presidential run was THE most ridiculous single mission I've ever attempted since ET the game on Atari! I EVENTUALLY made it sliding upside and sideways across the finish...I vowed to never try it again, and I haven't! :)
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Reply
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 @ 9:51:22 PM
But at a little over 1300MB, my damned slow 756 DLS will take at least an hour or more just to DL it, & who knows how much longer I've got to wait for it to install too.
I wish I had that virtue of patience, but I want everything yesterday, dammit!